ABANA is dedicated to perpetuating the noble art of blacksmithing. A blacksmith is one who shapes and forges iron with hammer and anvil. ABANA encourages and facilitates the training of blacksmiths; disseminates information about sources of material and equipment; exposes the art of blacksmithing to the public; serves as a center of information about blacksmithing for the general public, architects, interior designers, and other interested parties.

The Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America, Inc. (ABANA) is run by a board of 15 directors elected by the membership. These elected volunteers serve as officers, committee chairpersons and members of committees. Five of the 15 directors are elected each year for a three-year term.

Business meetings of the ABANA Board are held annually near the 15th of November. On the even years, an additional meeting is held at the ABANA international conference in typically June or July. Between meetings, business is conducted by phone, mail, fax, and email.

To run for election, one is required to be an ABANA member in good standing and provide the following:

• A nominating petition signed by at least 10 ABANA members,
• A photograph
• A candidate statement

Submitted to the central office by the deadline date: April 15

All candidates who meet this deadline will be listed on the official ballot form.

All candidates statements will be published on this web site as they are available. Candidates meeting all the criteria above by the Apr 15 editorial deadline for the magazine will also have candidates statements published in
the Anvil's Ring.

2015 ELECTION TIMETABLE

December 1, 2014: Notice of election published in Vol 43 No 1 Winter 2015 The Anvil's Ring

April 15, 2015: Nominations deadline - Candidate’s statements will be published in Vol 42 No 3 Summer 2014 Anvil's Ring